Here are the Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week. Note that the readings are based on the New American Bible. 

Day 241 – Sunday, Feb. 9

Daniel Chapters 7-9

Read Daniel 9:1-2 again, and then read Luke 2:41-47.

Daniel studied Scripture by searching through the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. Jesus learned from teachers at the temple.

Ask God to call devout and well-educated leaders to create opportunities for all people — those born into a church community, and those who have no idea what faith is all about — to learn about God and the Church.

Is there anything that your parish can do better in reaching people in the surrounding community, for example, with invitations to learn about Catholicism? Advertisements in secular news media might be easier for the lost to find than announcements in parish bulletins.

Day 242 – Monday, Feb. 10

Daniel Chapters 10-12

Read Daniel 10:4-12 again, and then read Acts 9:1-7.

In Daniel 10:7 and in Acts 9:7 what do you notice about the experience of the people traveling with Daniel and of those traveling with Paul? Why do you think that God revealed more of Himself to Daniel and to Paul than to their companions? Ask God to help us have positive effects on those around us by taking steps to move closer to God ourselves.

Have you ever noticed the effect on other members of someone’s family or group of friends when that person makes a serious decision to move towards God?

Day 243 – Tuesday, Feb. 11

Daniel Chapters 13-14

Read Daniel 14:33-39 again.

Habakkuk planned to bring food to workers in the field, but because the angel of the Lord intervened, he ended up bringing a much-needed meal to Daniel in the lion’s den.

Ask God to help us to take full advantage of the assistance available to us with heavenly beings.

Have you ever experienced a sudden detour like Habakkuk experienced? The Bible speaks a number of times about angels. Do you suppose an angel may be guiding you?

Day 244 – Wednesday, Feb. 12

Hosea Chapters 1-5

Read Hosea 4:6 again, and then read Hosea 6:6 and 1 Peter 2:1-9.

In the verses from Hosea, why were the people perishing? 

Ask God to give us opportunities to do our job as teachers of faith, today and every day.

What do the verses from 1 Peter inspire in you about your own call to help others learn about God?

Day 245 – Thursday, Feb. 13

Hosea Chapters 6-10

Read Hosea 7:13-16 again. In this passage, through the prophet Hosea, God speaks.

What emotions is God showing in this passage? Does this passage show God to be aloof, cold and uncaring or passionate and concerned?

Ask God to help us to tune in to the feelings of everyone in our lives and to respond appropriately to them.

How do you respond to expressions of intense emotions on the part of your loved ones?

Day 246 – Friday, Feb. 14

Hosea Chapters 11-14

Read Hosea 11:1-4 again.

Notice in these verses the tender images of a loving father with his small child. Ask God to reveal to us the gentle side of His character.

How do the images in this reading, showing God feeding infants and lifting them to His cheek, compare to the image of God that you usually have? 

Day 247 – Saturday, Feb. 15

Joel Chapters 1-4

Read Joel 1:1-3 again. This passage describes passing knowledge on to new generations.

Ask God to provide us with opportunities to share our knowledge and skills with others in our families, parishes and in the outside community.

Are there any people in your life, young or old, whom you can help by sharing some skill or knowledge that you have?

In your faith community do the older people ever share their faith stories with the younger members?